BIOCHEMISTRY

My personal description of a biochemist is a scientist who studies the chemical combinations and reactions of animals and humans.  They use their findings to do research on the effects of supplements and chemicals on animals and humans.  A biochemist can expect to do a lot of research and lab work.

  A biochemist studies the chemical composition of living things.  He or she investigates the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism,  reproduction, growth, and heredity.  Conducts research to determine the effect of foods, drugs and serums on the tissues and organs of animals and human beings.  Analyses the effect of hormones, vitamins, and enzymes on body functions.  Studies the  chemistry of  living processes such as cell formation and digestion.  Often uses computers to record and analyze research data.  Writes research reports and papers.  May teach in colleges and universities. :Operating computers to record and analyze life science data
:Explaining life science concepts
:Interpreting life science data
:Researching life sciences
:Analyzing life science data
 
  The Ph.D. degree generally is required for college teaching, independent research, and for advancement to administrative positions.  In some cases a masters degree is sufficient.  These jobs are usually in the fields of  applied research and for jobs in management, inspection, sales, and service, while a bachelor's degree is adequate for some non research jobs.


:Biology General
:Biochemistry
:Biotechnology Research
:Pharmacology, Human and Animal
:Medical Biochemistry

Major Career Area (Interests)

:Scientific area
 
 

*In the middle income area of earnings in the U.S., which incorporates 50% of all workers in this occupation earn an average salary of between $26,000 and $52,000.

*In a study done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in private industry in 1997 averaged $25,400 a year for bachelor's degree recipients in biological science; about $26,900 for master's degree recipients; and about $52,400 for doctoral degree recipients.
 

*In 1996 U.S. employment: was 78,661
*In the years between 1996-2006 employment is expected to increase an estimated +24.4%
  -Colleges and universities
-Research firms
-Government agencies
-Food and drug companies
  This career area is growing faster than the average because employment growth reflects further research into health-related issues such as AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease;  the growing use of biotechnology techniques in pharmaceuticals firms; and continuing advances in genetic research.  Biological and medical scientists can expect strong competition for basic research positions.

Also many people who go into the field of biochemistry for a four year college term may decide to go onto another major in which they choose such as being a lawyer.  The cases that deal with the growing of crops and what are put into them are always going to be fought .  While many other majors can coincide with biochemistry.
 
 

Some potential job shadows around the area of Sanford include Baker Company and Idexx.  Baker is in south Sanford and Idexx Labs is in Portland, Maine.  To see about going on one of these job shadows you can contact the business itself or go to your schools local career consultant office.  A typical job shadow would include you going to the company and observing a biochemist at work.  In the Baker company you will watch a biochemist at a company that is a world leader in making germ free research boxes.  While at Idexx you will shadow a biochemist but it will be in more of a typical lab set up where he or she is at work and you will watch the research he or she is doing.  If you where to major in biochemistry in college some of the classes you would have to take include Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.  During the summer you may also do a summer internships to gain more experience in the research aspect of biochemistry.  A college student entering the field of biochemistry should expect to go through 6 to 8 years of schooling or more.
 

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